Villarreal
Levante
>Villarreal vs Levante Prediction & Betting Tips – 20/09/2026
The Valencian derby arrives at the Estadio de la Cerámica on Saturday evening, with Villarreal hosting Levante in a La Liga fixture that carries real weight for both sides. Separated by a single place and level on five points apiece, 14th meets 15th in a contest that could define early-season trajectories. Neither club can afford to linger in the bottom half much longer. For Villarreal, a first league win of the campaign last time out offered a lifeline; for Levante, extra rest following a postponed midweek fixture could prove valuable.
Match Analysis
Villarreal enter this Valencian derby as clear favorites at 1.53, backed by a commanding H2H record and renewed momentum after their 3-1 win over Malaga ended a four-game losing streak in La Liga.
- 23 wins to 9 in all-time H2H meetings, including a 5-1 demolition of Levante in May 2026.
- 3-1 victory over Malaga last round provides confidence and ends a damaging four-game winless run.
- Pape Gueye elevated to the starting XI after a two-goal cameo, adding direct attacking threat at home.
- Levante missing three confirmed absentees: Eyong (thigh), Primo (shoulder), and Sotelo (knee), thinning their attack.
Levante arrive at 5.50 as significant outsiders, facing a historically dominant rival on the road. Their away record (LDWDL) and a depleted squad offer little encouragement, despite the benefit of extra rest from a postponed fixture.
- Away record of LDWDL in their last five road trips shows chronic inconsistency.
- Three key attackers absent through injury, severely limiting Levante's offensive depth and options.
- All-time H2H record of 9 wins versus Villarreal's 23 underlines a deep structural disadvantage.
Key point: Villarreal have kept zero clean sheets in their last seven matches, making a both-teams-to-score outcome worth exploring at 1.57.
Form & Statistics: Villarreal vs Levante
Villarreal
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Levante
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Villarreal vs Levante: Head-to-Head
Average statistics (recent meetings)
Lineups: Villarreal vs Levante
Villarreal
Starters
- 1 Gulacsi
- 2 Freeman
- 3 Navarro
- 4 Veiga
- 5 Akhomach
- 6 Saliba
- 7 Gueye
- 8 Buchanan
- 9 Moleiro
- 10 Perez
Absent
- Sergi Cardona (injury)
- Daniel Thioune (suspended)
- Alfonso Pedraza (injury)
- Juan Foyth (Achilles injury)
Levante
Starters
- 1 Ryan
- 2 Toljan
- 3 Dela
- 4 Mandi
- 5 Sanchez
- 6 Garcia
- 7 Bardeli
- 8 Brugue
- 9 Romero
- 10 Ratkov
Absent
- Unai Elgezabal (injury)
- Karl Etta Eyong (Thigh problem)
- Alejandro Primo (Shoulder injury)
- Hugo Sotelo (Knee injury)
Low confidence
A mirror image of formations sets the stage here, with both sides lining up in a 4-4-2, yet the tactical intrigue lies in the details. Villarreal's midfield axis looks particularly purposeful, with Pape Gueye carrying momentum into this fixture after his brace, while Alberto Moleiro operating centrally offers a creative dimension worth monitoring.
Levante's XI carries a lower degree of certainty, drawn from a single source, so some caution is warranted before reading too much into their shape. The absence of Hugo Sotelo disrupts their midfield balance, and how the returning Ivan Romero and Enzo Bardeli integrate alongside that reshaped unit will be central to Levante's prospects of troubling Villarreal on their own ground.
Our Verdict
Villarreal's dominant head-to-head record, including three consecutive victories over Levante and that emphatic 5-1 thrashing in May, makes the home win at 1.53 our pick. Both sides sit on five points, yet the Yellow Submarine's momentum from their 3-1 defeat of Malaga, coupled with Pape Gueye's likely promotion to the starting eleven, tilts the balance firmly. Levante's rest advantage is noted, but their fragile away form undermines any case for an upset. A home victory looks strong value here. Odds correct at time of publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bet for Villarreal vs Levante?
A Villarreal home win is the standout selection here. The Yellow Submarine hold a commanding head-to-head record, Pape Gueye is pushing into the starting XI after his brace off the bench, and the bookmakers have priced the hosts as clear favourites at 1.53. With Levante missing Karl Etta Eyong, Alejandro Primo, and Hugo Sotelo, a narrow home victory looks the most logical outcome.
What time does Villarreal vs Levante kick off?
Villarreal vs Levante kicks off at 16:30 UTC on Sunday, 20 September 2026. The fixture takes place at the Estadio de la Cerámica in Villarreal, the Yellow Submarine's compact and atmospheric home ground in the Valencian Community, where they will be keen to build on their recent 3-1 victory over Malaga.
Where can I watch Villarreal vs Levante on TV?
Broadcast arrangements for La Liga fixtures vary depending on your territory. In Spain, matches are typically shown across DAZN and Movistar+, whilst international viewers should consult their local sports broadcaster or streaming provider. It is always advisable to check listings in advance, as rights can differ significantly from one country to another.
What is Villarreal's recent record against Levante?
Villarreal's recent record against Levante is remarkably one-sided. The Yellow Submarine have won all three of their most recent meetings, including a 5-1 demolition in May 2026 and a 1-0 victory at Levante's own ground in February. That level of head-to-head dominance represents a significant psychological and statistical advantage heading into this Derbi de la Comunitat.